New Holland may have unveiled a prototype hydrogen tractor in 2011 and a methane-powered concept last year, and Fendt and John Deere exhibited battery-powered models in 2017, but the companies behind these brands are part of an organisation that’s promoting diesel as the future technology of choice for tractors and agricultural machines.
Agco, CNH and Deere are all members of the US-based Diesel Technology Forum; as are Caterpillar, Cummins, MTU and Yanmar, which also play leading roles in agricultural engine manufacture. The organisation says advances in diesel powertrains will enable farm equipment to be more productive and achieve greater yields, using less fuel, with near-zero emissions that provide clean air and sustainability benefits to agricultural communities.
The Diesel Technology Forum’s message coincides with this year’s World Ag Expo, which has been taking place at Tulare, California. It has been pointing out that diesel engines play a key role in the agricultural sector, powering more than 75 per cent of all large agricultural machines and equipment, transporting 90 per cent of agricultural products and pumping one-fifth of irrigation water in the United States.
“Whether 1,000 commercial acres of grain or a 20-acre hobby farm, farmers need reliable, durable and efficient machines and equipment with adequate power, performance and reliability,” the organisastion says, adding, “this combination of features, along with continuous improvement, is why diesel remains the technology of choice for large and small farms alike.”
The Diesel Technology Forum points to recent forecasts, where long- and short-term views of the global agricultural equipment market both point to a growth trajectory at a compound annual growth rate of 2.8 per cent. This is due to increasing food demand and technology adoption, and the projections apply to tractors, planting, irrigation and crop processing equipment, hay and forage equipment, and harvesters.
For tomorrow’s farms, increased efficiency and productivity will be in high demand. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2050 a global population of 9.8 billion will demand 70 per cent more food than is consumed today. Innovations in farming and food production, as well as increased systems efficiency, are part of the solution. Like in other sectors, an emphasis on data, connectivity and automation enables smart farming systems and biotechnologies.
The Diesel Technology Forum describes itself as a non-profit organisation dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology. Its members are leaders in clean diesel technology and represent the three key elements of the modern clean-diesel system: advanced engines, vehicles and equipment, cleaner diesel fuel and emissions-control systems.
Founded in 2000, the forum has emerged as a leading source of information on agriculture, economics, energy, environmental, transportation and trade issues impacting diesel technology.
For more information visit: www.dieselforum.org.
